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Smith & Wesson M&P9 Pro
As do all M&P pistols, the Pro comes with three different sized palm swells so the shooter can fit it to their individual hand size.
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After chronographing the six loads, I set up a pair of USPSA Milpark targets and ran the Pro through a series of rapid-fire, offhand drills to get the hang of it.
At distances ranging from seven to 15 yards I was able to keep all of my rapid-fire double taps inside of the targets' highest-scoring zones.
For the ultimate test, I started shooting the Pro in matches, and while it goes against my ingrained sense of modesty to mention it, I managed to take first place in Production division the first time I shot the Pro.
| Accuracy Results | S&W M&P9 Pro |
| Bullet |
Bullet Weight (gr.) |
Avg. Velocity (fps) |
Avg. Group (in.) |
| American Eagle FMJ |
115 |
1,181 |
2.37 |
| UMC FMHJ
| 124 |
1,123 |
2.50 |
| Federal Match |
124 |
1,106 |
2.12 |
| Cor-Bon Match
| 124 |
935 |
2.00 |
| Berry's RN* |
115 |
1,128 |
2.50 |
| Berry's FP*
| 124 |
1,042 |
2.32 |
| * Handload |
| NOTES: Accuracy tested from an MTM Predator rest at 25 yards; results are averages of three-five shot groups. Veloicties are averages of five shots measured with a Shooting Chrony chronograph. Abbreviations: FMJ, full metal jakcet; RN, roundnose; FP, flatpoint. |
Over the next month I competed in a number of matches with the Pro, and my opinion of it continued to grow. First of all, it proved 100 percent reliable. I did not experience a single failure to feed, fire or eject despite using a variety of factory and handloaded ammo with widely varying bullet weights and configurations. Handling characteristics, ease of reloading and accuracy were all one could ask for--especially from a 100 percent stock pistol.
If you have a hankering to try your hand at USPSA, IDPA or Three Gun matches, the M&P9 Pro would greatly ease your entry into these fun sports. It is ready to run out of the box and all the shooter has to provide is ammunition, some accessories and a little skill. Now if you'll excuse me, there is a match this weekend and I have to load some 9mm ammo.
The M&P9 Pro can be disassembled into five major components in a matter of seconds.
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